Australia bans noisy freighters

29 / 03 / 2010

AUSTRALIA is planning on banning older models of freighters because they are too noisy.

“Marginally compliant aircraft are predominantly used in the airfreight industry and have been an ongoing source of concern for residents around Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports,” said federal transport minister, Anthony Albanese.

“These aircraft were certified to operate following modifications to meet aircraft noise standards issued in the 1970s. Most have been fitted with ‘hush kits’, which entitles them to a ‘marginally compliant’ rating under the 1977 regulation.”

From 1 July this year, no new services using “marginally noise compliant” aircraft, in particular the 727, will be allowed at Adelaide, Avalon, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Essendon, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney airports. From 1 September, all services using the aircraft will be banned completely at Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports.